In today’s episode, I sat down with the inspiring Addison Ott—author, multidisciplinary creative, and host of the Gentle and Lowly co podcast. We dove into her journey of building a meaningful podcast from scratch, how she balances branding, faith, and genuine conversation, and what it really means to play the “long game” in podcasting. Addison opened up about starting small, the power of coffee shop-style chats, and facing down the challenges (and joys) of wearing multiple hats behind the scenes. We geeked out about YouTube strategy, batching episodes, and the importance of serving your audience authentically. If you’re dreaming of starting a podcast—or need encouragement to keep going—I hope Addison’s story reminds you that your voice matters and that small, intentional steps can build something beautiful. Thanks for listening, and let’s keep creating together!

Listen to the Gentle and Lowly co with Addie Ott podcast  wherever you get your podcasts search for it on your favorite platform—YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Want to connect or learn more about Addison’s work (including her book and creative projects)? Visit her website at  https://addisonott.com

📸 For even more behind-the-scenes, faith-filled inspiration, and updates, follow Addison on Instagram: https://instagram.com/addieott

Don’t forget: If you’re looking to deepen your friendships and community, check out Addison’s book, **Fellowship Over Followers**.

Feel free to reach out, share your thoughts, and let Addison know how her story inspired you. And while you're at it, subscribe so you never miss her encouraging conversations—she’s got lots more goodness coming your way!

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.
There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.
Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join
If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.
Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters
00:00 Starting Out in Podcasting: The Long Game
00:09 The Story Behind Gentle and Loly Co
00:18 Growing the Podcast: Year Three & Adding Video
00:37 Building a Community: Coffee Shop Conversations
00:51 Inspiration & Early Podcasting Lessons
01:12 YouTube Strategies, Branding, and Content Creation
01:29 Authenticity, Connection, and Podcast Impact
01:56 Podcast Operations: Workflow, Tools, and Advice

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Coach Jonathan McLernon, the inspiring host of Between the Before and After. We dug deep into his podcasting journey—how he started, the bumps and breaks along the way, and why he’s so passionate about sharing the stories “in between” that usually get left out. Jonathan opened up about using podcasts not just for business, but for real, meaningful human connection. He reminded us that consistency, authenticity, and embracing imperfection are key—especially when life gets in the way. Whether you’re thinking about starting a podcast or you’ve hit pause and aren’t sure how to jump back in, I hope this episode shows you that the real magic of podcasting is in the stories and the people behind the mic. Just get started, keep it simple, and let your story unfold!

Check out Coach Jon podcast, Between the Before and After, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. To learn more about his work as a health coach,

visit https://freedomnutritioncoach.com/

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Podcasting Insights

00:53 Meet Coach Jonathan McLernon & Podcast Origins

03:17 Evolving the Podcast Name and Concept

04:06 Starting Out: Hiatus and Consistency

05:45 Audio, Video, and YouTube Strategy

07:43 Personal Impact and Connections Through Podcasting

12:44 Noteworthy Connections and Podcasting Value

21:03 Workflow, Tools, and Production Setup

27:19 Podcasting for Business, Brand, and Future Plans

In today’s episode, I sat down with Reme Mancera, a personal brand story strategist and the creative voice behind “Who Cares About My Story.” We dove into the power of sharing our unique experiences—how it can build trust, boost our businesses, and connect us more deeply with others. Reme shared why she ditched the idea of “one-size-fits-all” and instead champions doing business on your own terms, using her 10 Story Connectors framework to help people embrace their individual stories. We got real about podcasting gear (spoiler: you don’t need fancy equipment!), the ups and downs of consistency, and why quality matters more than numbers. My hope is that you walk away feeling inspired to own your story, podcast your way, and remember: even if you start small, your voice matters. Thanks for hanging out—can’t wait to hear your stories too!

You can learn more about Reme and her work at her website:

https://www.rememancera.com/story-connectors/

There, you’ll find links to her podcast and details about her Story Connector framework. You can also connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn for book recommendations or to continue the conversation.

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introducing Reme Mancera & Podcast Origins

00:03 Finding Purpose: Why Start a Podcast

00:06 Measuring Success: Goals vs. Numbers

00:11 Growing the Audience & Platform Choices

00:22 Podcast Production Setup & Tools

00:26 Teamwork, Consistency, and Overcoming Hurdles

00:42 Storytelling Framework & Personal Stories

00:47 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters & Final Thoughts

On this episode of My Podcast Story, I sat down with Cassian Bellino, host of Biblically Speaking, who shared her inspiring journey from feeling lost in her faith to building a podcast with over 60,000 followers. We dug into the power of consistency, learning out loud, and building community through real conversations with scholars. Cassian revealed how authenticity—and not being afraid to sound “dumb”—can actually be your greatest superpower. If you’ve ever doubted your next big idea, this is your sign to just start and keep going.

Cassian invites you to:

Visit her website: https://www.bibspeak.com/ (for everything—episodes, guides, merch, and more)

Connect with her on Instagram (search for Biblically Speaking)

Subscribe to her YouTube channel (also under Biblically Speaking)

https://www.youtube.com/@biblicallyspeaking2024⁩

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Starting "Biblically Speaking"

00:04 Cassian’s Struggles, Faith, and Inspiration

00:09 Overcoming Fears and Early Challenges

00:14 Transitioning from Tech to Full-Time Podcasting

00:18 Social Media Strategies and Content Creation

00:24 Tools, Workflow, and Repurposing Content

00:33 Building Community: Newsletters and Bible Studies

00:39 Monetization and Navigating Faith-Based Sponsorships

00:49 Looking Ahead: Growth, Costs, and Future Goals

On this episode of My Podcast Story, I sat down with Alan Lazarus, CEO and cofounder of Next Level University. We took a deep dive into how he built a global top 100 self-improvement show, scaling from just four listens a day to millions worldwide. Alan shared the behind-the-scenes secrets of growing a podcast into a thriving business, the real impact it’s had on his life, and his no-nonsense tips for any entrepreneur or podcaster ready to take things to the next level. If you’re aiming for both success and fulfillment, this conversation is a must-listen!

If you enjoyed hearing Alan Lazaros’ incredible insights and want to dive deeper into the world of personal development, business growth, and podcasting, be sure to check out the Next Level University podcast. It’s available on all the major audio platforms and on YouTube—just search for “Next Level University.”

For even more resources and information about Alan and his work, visit https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/business-consulting/

And if you’d like to connect with Alan directly, reach out on Instagram at @alazaros88 (that's a-l-a-z-a-r-o-s-8-8). He loves connecting with listeners, so don’t hesitate to send him a message!

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & The Journey Mindset

00:36 Meet Alan Lazarus & Podcast Beginnings

02:29 Podcast Origins: Evolution and Rebranding

04:11 Growth, Consistency, and Going Video

06:19 Building a Team & Scaling the Podcast

09:17 Monetization: Indirect Profit and Business Model

13:00 Personal Growth, Impact, and Life Lessons

21:05 Podcasting & Finding Love: Alan’s Personal Story

32:01 Reflections, Expectations vs. Reality & Final Advice

What it really takes to run a podcast dedicated to changing lives and laws? In my latest episode of My Podcast Story, I sit down with Devon Wieters—host of the "Wheel With It" podcast and a fierce advocate for disability rights—to hear how she's built her show from scratch, why she refuses to quit, and the real impact a single voice can have on federal policy. Devon shares candid stories about learning the ropes, battling burnout, and her big goals for reforming disability laws in the US.

Devon's Podcast: Wheel with It - https://wheelwithit.com/

If you’re inspired by Devon’s story and want to help champion much-needed legislative change, check out https://wheelwithit.com/reform and join the movement!

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Starting a Podcast on a Whim
00:03 Podcast Evolution and Workflow
00:10 Challenges and Growth Goals
00:14 Disability Advocacy and Legislative Reform
00:16 Marketing, YouTube, and Podcast Promotion
00:20 Memorable Episodes and Guest Stories
00:23 Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Motivated
00:32 Advice for Aspiring Podcasters and Reflections

In today’s episode, I sat down with Philip Sessions—a dad, entrepreneur, and host of the Unfiltered Sessions podcast—to hear the real story behind his podcasting journey. We dived deep into why he moved from talking about health and fitness to focusing on honest, unfiltered business conversations for dadpreneurs, how he overcame the fear of starting, and the creative ways he’s using his podcast to grow his business and personal brand.

We also geeked out over workflow tips, getting past podcast “podfade,” and making your podcast work for you—whether you’re out to build authority, connect with future clients, or simply get better at public speaking.

My hope is that Philip’s story inspires you to start (or restart!) your own podcast, to embrace the messy beginnings, and to always keep experimenting and iterating. You never know where your podcast will take you!

If today’s conversation sparked your interest in working smarter and leading with purpose, I highly encourage you to connect with Philip Sessions.

Head over to https://refinedva.com/ to learn how he can help you streamline your business and regain precious time through virtual assistant support.

https://refinedva.com/

You can also follow Philip for more actionable tips and behind-the-scenes insights—just search for “Philip Sessions” on your favorite social platforms. And if you have questions, want more info, or are interested in collaborating, don’t hesitate to reach out to him directly through his website or DMs.

Philip’s passion for helping entrepreneurs, especially dads, lead with clarity is truly inspiring—so be sure to check out everything he’s up to!

If My Podcast Story speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the stories shared here. Your support truly means a lot.

There’s more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the My Podcast Story newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show. It’s a quiet way to stay inspired between listens.

Sign up here: https://mypodcaststory.com/join

If the stories you hear on My Podcast Story bring you inspiration, clarity, or simply a moment of connection, consider supporting the podcast by buying me a coffee. Every contribution helps me continue sharing the journeys of podcasters from around the world.

Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/wisdomhq

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Why Start a Podcast?
00:03 Early Podcasting Journey: Healthy Living Sessions
00:08 Transition to Unfiltered Sessions
00:10 What an Episode Looks Like
00:16 Business Strategy and Guest Episodes
00:20 Workflow, Tools, and Costs
00:36 Overcoming Fear and Getting Started
00:42 Growth, Improvement, and Advice for New Podcasters

Wisdom here! In today’s episode, I got to sit down with the wonderful David Campbell—a true podcasting powerhouse with nine shows under his belt! We dove into his journey from being an “empty nest” dad and upcycler to a mentor for podcasters and a bridge-builder through storytelling. David opened up about managing multiple podcasts, staying motivated, and why conversation and community matter so much in this space. We chatted about the highs and lows, the little mistakes (like leaving a minute of silence in an episode!), and the joy that comes from connecting with people all around the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to create meaningful audio (even when you’re not an “expert”), or why your unique story truly matters, this one’s for you. I hope it leaves you inspired to share your voice and keep building those connections, one episode at a time.

Want to be a guest on My Podcast Story? Send Wisdom Okonkwo a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mypodcaststory

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & David’s Podcasting Journey
00:05 Discovering Podcasting & Launching the First Show
00:12 The Evolution: Exploring Nine Podcasts
00:20 Monetization, Side Hustles & Life Balance
00:32 Lessons Learned & Personal Growth
00:40 Pre-Interviews, Workflow, and Guest Preparation
00:47 Building Community & The Canadian Podcaster Project
00:51 Closing Reflections & Where to Find David

I sat down with Adam Torres—co-founder of Mission Matters and host of 8 niche podcasts—to uncover how he turned a side hustle into a media powerhouse. Here’s what we dug into:

Chapters

• [00:00] Meet Adam: The man behind 6,000+ episodes and a 30-person team.

• [01:00] Why 8 shows? How niching down exploded his reach.

• [03:00] Secret to high-profile guests: "Crash conferences with a media pass."

• [07:00] Pivot moment: Why he rebranded from Money Matters to Mission Matters.

• [09:00] YouTube vs. Podcasting: "150M channels vs. 4M podcasts—where would you rather compete?"

• [14:00] LinkedIn to legacy: How a random connection birthed a media empire.

• [16:00] Started with an iPhone 6: "No mic, no edits—just hit record."

• [21:00] Monetization hack: "Sell branding before you have downloads."

• [24:00] Behind the scenes: How his agency launches podcasts for clients ($1.5K–$8K/month).

• [27:00] Networking goldmine: "My Rolodex? 6,000 interviews across 50+ countries."

• [34:00] Adam’s toolkit: Riverside, Calendly, and the one app he can’t live without.

• [42:00] 9 years in: "Execution beats ideas. Just. Keep. Publishing."

• [46:00] For new podcasters: "Your story matters—start before you’re ready."

1. "Treat your podcast like a business on day one."

2. Interviews = networking on steroids.

3. Perfection is the enemy—Adam’s first 300 episodes were unedited phone recordings.

• Instagram: @AskAdamTorres

• Website: MissionMatters.com

  https://missionmatters.com/

Support the show: Buy Me a Coffee

Rate, review, and share—it helps more creators hear these stories!

In this episode, I sit down with Victor Idoko, a financial planner, wealth strategist, and host of the Elevate Your Wealth podcast. Victor shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he started his podcast—not for fame or numbers, but to genuinely educate people about building wealth. We talk about how podcasting became a natural extension of his business, his unexpected lessons from starting a show, and why he spends up to $1,200 per episode to deliver a professional experience.

Victor also opens up about:

Why podcasting felt more personal than blogging or YouTube

How his podcast supports his business and builds client trust

The role of his team, studio setup, and content strategy

Balancing podcasting with running a full-time financial planning firm

The long game of building reach and why he doesn’t chase metrics

Whether you're thinking about starting a podcast or already have one, this episode offers real, honest insights into using your voice to build trust, authority, and meaningful connections.

Links & Resources:

Victor’s Podcast: Elevate Your Wealth

Victor’s Book: Seven Basic Wealth Strategies – Available on Amazon and Audible

Connect with Victor on Instagram: @iamvictoridoko

Visit his business site: cfvadvisory.com.au

https://cfvadvisory.com.au

Follow the Podcast:

Get more behind-the-scenes content and podcasting tips:

https://mypodcaststory.com/join

⏱️ Episode Chapters:

00:00 – Intro & Meet Victor Idoko

02:19 – Why He Started the Elevate Your Wealth Podcast

06:13 – How Podcasting Fits Into His Business Strategy

12:29 – Lessons Learned & Mistakes in Growing the Show

18:09 – Cost, Team, and the Real ROI of His Podcast